THE ESSENDON players in the line of fire for supplements use are in differing mental states, with some coping better than others.

Around 20 current Bombers players were issued with show-cause notices by the anti-doping authority last week, relating to the alleged use of Thymosin-beta 4 at the AFL club in 2012.

The dramatic escalation of the 16-month investigation has clearly had an impact on players, with unaffected Bomber Brendon Goddard telling The Footy Show on Thursday night ASADA's handling of the matter has been insulting.

Bombers coach Mark Thompson said the coaches had tried to add more fun into the players' weekly schedule, and that preparing for the Crows had been "a touch" harder than most weeks.

 

"You go through all different phases, it's like grieving," Thompson said. 

"In the end you just don't want to become mentally exhausted out of the whole process, which is our danger.

 

"At times you get angry and get on that phase where you want to fight and vent, but I think some guys have been there and come out of it, and some players might still be in there."

 

After being appointed the interim senior coach while James Hird serves his 12-month ban, Thompson said he didn't regret taking on the role.

 

"I'm glad I did it. I sort of knew it was going to come at some stage, that it wouldn't be a year free of drama but I think I'm probably better positioned to do it than most other people because I know where I'm at," he said.

 

After last week's one-point loss to Melbourne, Essendon has lost key players Jake Carlisle (knee) and Paul Chapman (rest) from the side to meet the Crows.

 

Dustin Fletcher (back) has returned and will fill the hole left by Carlisle in defence, but Thompson said the youngster's injury was minor.  

 

"It's not serious at all but you can't go out there and run 13 kilometres if you haven't put any work through it during the week," he said.

Thompson said any mental issues had not forced the club to alter any planned selections, "and hopefully we don't have to".